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Probus Clubs began in the mid-60s with two English Rotary Clubs separately seeing the need for companionship and mental stimulation for retired businessmen and other professionals. In their areas outside London, there were few opportunities for social interaction, especially once people could no longer play sport. The two ventures were combined early on. The name Probus came from merging Professional and Business, but it also has the Latin meaning of honest or virtuous.
The first Probus Club in the South Pacific was started on the Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington, in 1974. The first Australian Club came two years later, in Hunter’s Hill, NSW. A Ladies Club was started in St Heliers in 1982, but these days, most Clubs are “Combined” Clubs welcoming both men and women. Today there are thousands of members across Australia and NZ, enjoying the social connections Probus provides. Clubs using the Probus brand in Oceania come under the wider administrative umbrella of PSPL - Probus South Pacific Limited.
Our own club in Botany Dannemora came about in March 2008 when a local Rotary club identified the need for social opportunities for retired people (and these days, semi-retired). Rotary called for a meeting ‘to gauge interest’ at Eastview Church’s new facility in Chapel Road, Botany, and a Committee was recruited; the official Charter was delivered in April, backdated to the first meeting. One of the sponsors, who became a Committee member, and remained involved for many years, was the late Les Motion, originally from Botany East Tamaki Rotary Club.
The Aims and Objectives adopted by the Combined Probus Club of Botany Dannemora at the first meeting were:
· To advance Intellectual and Cultural Interests
· To provide opportunities for fellowship, the development of acquaintance and social interaction.
· To be seen as a worthwhile organisation within our Community.
· To be non-political and non-sectarian.
· To not be a fund raising body.
· To treat all members equally, irrespective of race, religion, or politics.
Our Constitution still contains these aims, but for general Club business, the CPBD uses the more modern phrase “Probus was established to provide Clubs where retired people can get together to Connect Socially, Have Fun and Develop Friendships.”
Right from the start, our Club was ‘Combined’ meaning open to both men and women. Our first President Elizabeth Donaldson, who brought rich experience of the Rotary and Inner Wheel cultures, led a team of Portfolio Holders covering various Club activities. At the beginning, there were 46 paid-up members and by the end of the year this had grown to 97. The initial sub was $25.00, a rate that remained until 2024 when it became $30.00. (There was a reduction during Covid, as so many could not attend)
Guest speakers at early meetings included travel stories and charitable causes as well as autobiographical memoirs – much like today. Mid-month trips were organised to museums, gardens, the SPCA and Tip Top! These matters were publicised in the monthly newsletter, as was the Walking Group and the Rummikub gathering.
In the second year, the President was Denver Carter – a revered teacher, leader and disciplinarian - who is still an active member of our Club. He introduced the notion of singling out folk who did not wear their name badge to sing Happy Birthday up the front. Many more capable and personable leaders have joined the Committee/ Management Team since 2008 and we are proud to wear the badge of Probus.
Eastview Church has been a convenient and supportive venue; at first the Club used the lounge/café, until numbers demanded the move to the well-equipped auditorium for the meeting. We still gather for morning tea in the café. The Rotary Club sponsored the initial rent and provided the Bell, Chain of Office and Badges for founding members.
Probus Month 2026 celebrates 50 years since the movement began in Australia – we Kiwis already hit that mark!
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